In the midst of Pride Week, the Vancouver Police Department has announced a new initiative to provide ‘safe places’ for members of the LGBTQ community who feel their safety is threatened.
The program will distribute rainbow-coloured decals to any business, school, or location which volunteers to act as a safe refuge for all citizens who are victims of anti-LGBTQ crimes or incidences.
Once inside the premises, operators at the location are meant to assist the person in calling the police and allow them to wait until officers arrive.
Businesses can visit vpdsafeplace.com to sign up for the program, fill out a pledge form, and order decals.
The VPD says a number of organizations and businesses on Denman Street are already displaying decals, including Kimprints, Denman Cleantec, Dover Arms Pub, Acacia Bistro & Import, Pompadours Hair Salon, West End Liquor Store, Shoppers Drug Mart, Burger King, D’oro Gelato & Cafe, and Marble Slab Creamery.
Police hope that the program will increase reporting of LGBTQ hate crimes, but warn that an increase in media reports doesn’t necessarily mean there is an increase in incidents.
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